Author
Topic: The Gathering Storm (WWII) (Read 9215 times)

"Once again defence of the rights of a weak state, outraged and invaded by unprovoked aggression, forced us to draw the sword. Once again we must fight for life and honour against all the might and fury of the valiant, diciplined and ruthless German race. Once again! So be it."

Wanted:2-4 Players to startPCs will be part of a special team of some sort, perhaps Dirty Dozen, perhaps Mission Impossible. It depends on you! For the Allies, BTW.

Mechanics:

Scratchbuilt Minimalist borrowing heavily from Rolemaster.

Core mechanic is for the GM to judge the action based on the situation, apply modifiers from stats and skills, and assign odds. Phrases indicating odds will be like "If you are lucky..", I will not give % success if I can help it. There is always a chance for failure and success (though the nature of the success might not be apparent at first). I will not trap you by giving false hope - if I say such things as possible but unlikely, think long and hard about what happens if you are unsuccessful.

Everything is loose and secondary to the story in all cases.

Character CreationBackground is king. Your background will decide most of your character's attributes. If you would like, coach your character sheet in the form of a resume.Please do not detail past 1938 as the exact start time is still TBA.

I'd like details on why your character is joining the special unit - or why someone would recommend them. Your characters are exceptional and will deserve to join, but please detail the reason. Also, note their personality and other interesting details so that I can use them against you, er enhance the roleplaying experience..

1. Nationality/Ethnicity:Any can be arranged, even Axis nations, though this will color reaction to your character and need a well crafted background.2. Age & GenderAs selected. Age will affect the level of expertise and physical stats, so extremes should be avoided. Minimum age is 16, though there would need to be some serious negotiation to get this to work. In general, female characters are going to need an interesting background to get this to work. Most militarys did not accept women for combat roles in WWII.

3. Attributes: You have 5 points to distribute among these scores to differentiate your characters from others of your archtype. Stats without modification do not need to be listed on your sheet.There is a limit of 5 points assigned to one stat (which would make your character world-class in that attribute!). Yes I know there are 10 stats. Choose wisely!

Attributes:

IQMemoryCharismaWillpowerObservation

StrengthConstitutionPhysical CoordinationManual DexteritySpeed

Negative modifiers are possible, but need to be cleared with the GM. Additional Stat types may be allowed with discussion with GM.

4. Archtype & EducationArchtypes are short definitions of your character and relate to your primary profession peace-time. It can be any career consistent with the 1930's. Soldier, Farmer, Merchant-marine, Scientist, Factory Worker, etc. This will be the prime driver of your non-combat skills. Indicate what level of education your character has completed. Needs to jive with the rest of your background. Officers, unless of WWI origin, need to have a college education.

5. Military Branch:All PCs may select a military branch to have joined, before becoming part of the special team. Navy, Armored, Artillery, Infantry, MP, Pilot,etc. PCs will be assumed to be expert in their chosen field, and have a rank of Sargent or equivalent. Officers will need to take a demotion to join.

Upon entry, PCs receive additional training to bring them up to 'expert' in infantry, or if already infantry, to 'Elite'.PC's may also select a Specialty in their Infantry training:

Demolitions GrenadierMedicSapperSniperOther (subject to approval)

PCs are going to be defined largely by their background.

6. Specialized Skills:In addition to the skills automatic within one's archtype, military branch and specialty, PCs may choose up to 5 additional skills that they know, the fewer selected, the better they are in these. Languages, apart from one's native language, will count against these. These skills should be ones which diverge from their archtype and training.

7. Cross Training

After joining up, PCs will be given the opportunity to Cross Train in another field to help round out the team's skills.

8. Equipment:PCs are going to travel light and generally will be properly equipped for their mission. You may select a small number of personal items of equipment which might diverge from the norm.

All PCs are going to be part of a special forces type unit, which will need a mix of combat and non-combat skills.

Eg:Cecil O'kane, Canadian Army Rifleman, Former Fishplant workerHe is a sturdy man(+1 Strength,+2 Constitution) very deft with a fishknife, or a bayonet (+2 Manual Dexterity). He has retrained as a Grenadier and is an excellent boat pilot and is fluent in both English and French. Having a strong Irish background, he has pale freckly skin and very red hair.

9. Fate/Luck points:Due to the lethality of both the scenario and the combat system, Fate points will be used. I am still working on how these will function, but they cannot be used without some cost which will hurt the group as whole. Not kill them, but significantly add to the current challenge. Luck points will be a finite, unknown quantity, but additional ones can be obtained through gallentry

10. Advancement:PCs may have opportunity for additional training which will be taken into account during Action Success determination on the part of the GM. Feel free to note any added training above starting levels. In addition, promotions in rank and responsibilities will be occurring in response to success.

11. Player Death:Will try and avoid 'useless' deaths, however new characters can be brought in at the same advanced level as the remainder of the party. Note: This document will tighten up as time goes by.

12. How do we start? WWII was a worldwide event, with millions of stories told. Where and when we start will depend upon the submitted backgrounds of the PCs, but what will be common is the PCs will be part of an elite group - possibly front line, possibly a OSS type group.

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p

PoisonAlchemist: Man Muro, you boost my confidence and then you just go crush it with a heartbreaking work of staggering genius.Pariah: Don't tell him things like that, if his head gets any bigger he'll float off like a weather ballon :p